When to Use Satin Paint
For a subtle look when painting the walls in your home or decorative items, consider using paint with a satin finish. It adds just a touch of shine and brightness to the paint hue without being overly glossy. It's advisable to use it over flat or matte finishes in kids' bedrooms or hallways, but avoid applying it on the walls in kitchens and bathrooms, which call for glossy finishes.
Features
Satin paint is a happy medium between flat, matte paint and glossy, shiny paint. It's slightly glossy and stands up to light scrubbing when the surface it's on needs to be cleaned, making it ideal for kids' rooms, living rooms and dining areas. The smooth finish won't show stains as much as glossy paints. It reflects more light than flats, but not as much as semi-gloss and glossy paints.
Function
Satin paint is a particular type of finish that is used in buildings on interior walls. It offers a less-institutional look than more glossy sheens because of its subtle shine. It also is a better type of paint for lighter colors such as pastels and creams. In addition to wall surfaces, consider using a satin sheen for painting decorative items such as unfinished wood furniture or previously painted items.
Considerations
While it doesn't stand up to stains and abrasive cleaning agents as well as semi-gloss or glossy paint finishes, satin paint is versatile enough for most walls. It's not recommended for use on molding, window and door trims or in kitchens or bathrooms, where the surfaces tend to accumulate a lot of dirt and grime and need to be cleaned with more abrasive agents.
Identification
Paint with a satin sheen can be identified by the word "satin" on the paint can when sold off the shelves at retail stores. If you have to request color mixing, ask for satin-finish paint to be used for the base.
Warning
Light-colored satin paint does not cover well over dark colors or pre-existing glossy paint on a surface. In these cases, apply a primer coat or two before attempting to use a paint made with a satin sheen. But satin does cover better in these situations than glossy paints. Paints with satin finishes also won't disguise imperfections on the wall as well as glossier sheens.
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